Whether it was the season opener for men, or the second leg for the women, the result was the same: New Zealand won.
One of rugby’s traditional powers claimed wins in both HSBC World Sevens Series events in Dubai (UAE), defeating the U.S. in the men’s final, 21-5 and Canada in the women’s, 26-14.
In the men’s event, New Zealand, Australia and Canada moved through pool play undefeated. The All Blacks had no trouble with Scotland (21-7), but were in a tough semi with England, winning only 7-5. In the final, the surprising U.S. team – which had finished 15th in this tournament a year ago – was the opponent. Having lost to New Zealand in pool play by 24-7, the American squad trailed only by 7-0 at half. But the final was almost identical, with the All Blacks prevailing, 21-5.
In the women’s tournament, New Zealand, England and Canada were all 3-0 in pool play. The Black Ferns – as new Zealand’s women’s team is known – then rolled past Russia (31-0) in its quarterfinal and the U.S. (22-0) in its semi. Canada proved tougher, but the Black Ferns managed a 26-14 win that gave them a perfect 2-for-2 record in the Sevens Series this season.
After two rounds (of six), the New Zealand women have a perfect 40 points, followed by Canada with 34 and the U.S. with 32.
The last Sevens Series tournament of 2018 is for the men, next week in Cape Town (RSA).